Abia State House of Assembly
The Abia State House of Assembly has waded into the worsening erosion crisis ravaging Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area, which now poses a direct threat to the palace of the paramount ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, alongside seven other critical sites.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa expressed grave concern over the environmental degradation in the area. He directed the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, to lead an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the affected locations.
This legislative intervention followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Nwoke, who represents Ohafia South, during plenary. His concerns were reinforced by a prior alert issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Mr Ifeanyi Okali.
The Speaker further tasked the Committee on Environment to liaise with relevant government agencies in developing a robust erosion control and intervention strategy tailored for Ebem Ohafia and other similarly endangered communities across the state.
While presenting the matter before the Assembly, Hon. Nwoke warned that the situation could escalate into a full-blown disaster if swift and comprehensive action is not taken. He revealed that, besides the monarch’s palace, erosion has already encroached upon the rear section of the Ebem Ohafia Divisional Police Headquarters, the premises of Mben Hospital, and five other key sites within the locality.
“These areas are deteriorating rapidly, especially with the persistent rainfall,” Nwoke cautioned. “If this erosion is not addressed urgently, it could completely devastate the community.”
The matter has since been referred to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative scrutiny and field evaluation.
